BSD = hips and eyes ( PRA)

I am a KC accredited breeder of BSD and would like to see the Kc make health testing mandatory BEFORE registrationfor all dogs on it's register.

However it should not be forgotten that health is just ONE factor when selecting for breeding - temperament, construction and type are all important too . The big danger is that some dogs may well be overused because they 'have it all' ( good health test results, good temperament etc etc ) and in breeds with a limited gene pool this can quite easily mean that many dogs can be closely related - with each health test that is introduced we inevitably narrow the gene pool even further as those who fail are ( should ) be eliminated from breeding .

The only solution for some breeds is using dogs from overseas either by importing , taking our bitches over or by using frozen semen all of these things should be made much easier ( and cheaper ! ) - i also feel that the Kc should look more leniently on the careful and structured use of intervariety matings ( such as allowing Tervueren x Groenendael matings in my own breed ) -

Personally I think it inexcusable to breed from dogs that have not been health tested - only by testing can you KNOW the problems that may be passed on. Simply saying " my dogs are healthy" does NOT make them so !